In America, a New Jersey Senator is vowing to fight a Federal law that limits legalised sports gambling to Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon.

Senator Raymond Lesniak revealed that he has asked the state’s Governor, Jon Corzine, to file a lawsuit declaring the Federal law an interstate commerce violation. The head of a major law firm, Lesniak stated that he would take action himself if the Governor failed to act.

'Congress did more than make us second-class citizens, it violated the Constitution of the United States of America,” said Lesniak.

New Jersey is hoping to bring professional sportsbetting to Atlantic City casinos and horseracing tracks in order to revive the economy. However, a 1993 Federal law limits the activity to four states, although only Nevada permits it.

'Other states are likely to support our efforts if we take the lead,' said Lesniak.

Although Corzine's office has not responded to Lesniak’s call, Jay Moyer, Special Counsel for the National Football League, said that the Federal law would withstand any challenge.

'It is a losing proposition to think that you're going to win litigation to overturn the Federal law,' said Moyer.

However, New Jersey Senator Jeff Van Drew stated that a conservative-leaning US Supreme Court could favour states' rights in an issue such as this.

'It is very difficult to understand how sportsbooks could technically be legal in four states but not in 46 others,' said Van Drew.

Proponents of sportsbetting in New Jersey hope it could boost visitors to Atlantic City casinos now competing with slot parlours in neighbouring states. Experts estimate that illegal sports gambling in the US generates up to $380 billion per year.

'Sportsbetting is a reality,' said Lesniak.

'Let's put it to good use and tell Congress New Jersey will no longer allow it to discriminate against our residents.'